A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "One moment please" in Italian
Politely ask for a brief pause or delay in Italian with 'Un momento, per favore.'
Un momento, per favore.
oon moh-MEN-toh, pehr fah-VOH-rehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you need someone to wait for you for a short time, like when you're looking for something in your bag or need to finish a quick task. It's perfect for shopkeepers, waiters, or anyone you're interacting with briefly.
Alternatives
- Aspetti un attimo.Slightly more direct, often used when you're the one asking for the wait.
- Un attimo.More casual, good for friends or very brief delays.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'momento' with 'moment'
While similar, 'momento' in Italian refers to a point in time, not necessarily a pause.
Forgetting 'per favore'
Adding 'per favore' (please) makes the request polite and less demanding.
A small cultural note
Italians often use hand gestures, like a raised palm, along with this phrase to visually communicate the need for a brief pause.
Frequently asked
When should I use 'Un momento, per favore' vs 'Aspetti un attimo'?
'Un momento, per favore' is a general polite request to wait. 'Aspetti un attimo' is a bit more direct and often implies you are the one who needs the moment.
Is 'Un momento, per favore' formal or informal?
It's considered neutral and works in almost any situation, from a shop to a more formal encounter.
Can I just say 'Un momento'?
You can, but adding 'per favore' makes it significantly more polite and is generally recommended for non-close acquaintances.
